US former President Joe Biden has been diagnosed with an “aggressive form” of prostate cancer that has metastasised to the bone, as announced by a spokesperson on May 18. The diagnosis was confirmed two days prior to the public announcement.The spokesperson revealed that Biden’s cancer has been classified with a Gleason score of 9, Grade Group 5. This classification requires detailed explanation for better understanding.On Biden’s health, US President Donald Trump was surprised and called the news “very sad, actually.” “I’m surprised that … you know, the public wasn’t notified a long time ago because to get to stage nine (sic), that’s a long time,” Trump said on Monday while talking to reporters. Here Trump referred stage nine to Gleason score.
What is Gleason score?
The Gleason scoring system, utilised for prostate cancer grading, spans from 6 to 10, as explained by the Cleveland Clinic. Lower scores indicate slower growth patterns, whilst higher scores suggest more aggressive development, US Today reported.The grading system incorporates five distinct groups, with Grade Group 1 indicating slow progression and Grade Group 5 suggesting rapid growth and spread. Biden’s diagnosis of Gleason score 9, Grade Group 5, indicates significant cellular differences from healthy tissue.
How Gleason score determined?
The scoring process involves examining cancer cell patterns. Medical professionals assign grades from 1 to 5 based on how closely the cells resemble normal prostate tissue. The final score combines the grades of the two most prevalent patterns observed.Diagnostic scoring relies on prostate biopsy or surgical results. The Cleveland Clinic emphasises that higher scores primarily guide treatment decisions rather than definitively indicating outcomes.The Mayo Clinic notes that prostate cancer typically presents early and progresses slowly. Statistical data from the American Cancer Society suggests most diagnosed men survive the condition.Projections for 2025 indicate approximately 313,780 new prostate cancer cases and 35,770 related deaths. Statistics show that one in eight men receive this diagnosis, whilst one in 44 succumb to it.Early symptoms may include urinary changes, whilst advanced cases might present with bone pain, fatigue, and unexplained weight loss. Medical consultation is advised for anyone experiencing concerning symptoms.
